For basic meringes, simply mix 3 egg whites and 3/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours. That’s it. But with a few simple additions, you can create a wide variety of flavors. This is one of my favorites.

Bar cookies are so easy to make, and these Strawberry Blondies
offer a sweet change from chocolate chip.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on two edges, and butter it well.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with brown sugar, about 1 minute in the microwave. Stir in the vanilla extract and the egg.

3. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Stir into the butter mixture. Stir in the butterscotch chips and walnuts.

4. Pour batter into the foil-lined baking dish and spread evenly. Drop dollops of jam on top and swirl with a knife.

5. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes on a rack, then lift out the foil and transfer the blondies to the rack to cool completely. Remove the foil and cut into bars.